The Best Coffee Creamer for Work

We’ve all been there. Staring at a sad, lukewarm cup of office coffee, wondering why it’s always so bad. Employees everywhere are Googling “Why is office coffee so awful?” or “How to make office coffee better?” 

One thing we know for sure, if your employees aren't loving their coffee, then we know you're not working with Crafty…yet! Making your office coffee better is simple. All you need is these four things: 

1. A great coffee maker
2. Delicious coffee (bean, grounds or pod) 
3. Selection of milk or alternatives 
4. Tasty sweeteners and creamers

Number four is where all the fun begins! Because let’s face it, the right creamer can totally transform an average cup of coffee into something special. If you’re ready to elevate your office coffee game, deep dive into the world of office coffee creamers so you can turn your experience into this: 

What is Coffee Creamer

Just for funsies, let’s pretend an alien is visiting your office and you have to explain the essence of what it means to work in an office…i.e. constantly chugging a cup of coffee. 👽 

You’d probably explain coffee creamer as a liquid or powdered substance added to coffee to make it smoother, creamier and way more delicious.

What is the Difference Between Creamer, Half-and-Half, and Milk

Before we get into the different types of creamers, let’s clarify the difference between creamer, half-and-half, and milk. Here’s the breakdown:

• Milk: The classic option, with options ranging from whole to skim to plant-based varieties. It’s lighter than creamers and offers a mild creaminess without altering the flavor too much.
• Half and Half: A blend of equal parts cream and milk, it’s richer than milk but not as heavy as full cream. It adds a creamy texture without being too indulgent.
• Creamer: This is a liquid or powdered option that’s typically made from vegetable oils, milk or a blend of both. It's often sweetened and flavored, making it a go-to choice for those who like their coffee with a little extra sweetness and flavor.

What Types of Coffee Creamer are There 

There are plenty of coffee creamer options to consider for your office, and we’ll break it down by categories for you:

• Refrigerated: These creamers need to be kept cold, just like milk. They’re often rich, creamy and offer a smooth texture to your coffee.
• Shelf-stable: These don’t need refrigeration and have a longer shelf life. Great for those offices that go through creamers at a slower pace.
• Flavored: For those who want a little extra something in their coffee. Think French vanilla, hazelnut or caramel.

What are the Top 10 Office Coffee Creamers

At Crafty, we know what works. Not just because we are experts (and we are!), but because the Crafty Platform tracks your pantry spending, product consumption, and operations. Office coffee services powered by Crafty know exactly what is happening on the ground, and because of that, you get to benefit because we can round up the top coffee creamers across all 400+ offices we serve:  

1. Organic Valley Half and Half 
2. Clover Sonoma Organic Half and Half 
3. Horizon Organic Half and Half 
4. Coffee-mate Coffee Creamer, French Vanilla 
5. Clover Sonoma Half and Half 
6. Coffee-mate Coffee Creamer, Hazelnut
7. Coffee-mate Coffee Creamer, Original
8. Land O'Lakes Half and Half 
9. Darigold Half and Half 
10. International Delight French Vanilla Creamer

Where Do You Recommend Putting Coffee Creamers 

To keep the coffee station flowing smoothly, make sure the creamers are near your coffee setup. Employees shouldn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt to find their creamer. Keep everything nearby, including creamers, milk, and other sweeteners, but don't crowd the space. 

You want some prep room on the sides or across from your office coffee machines with the mix-ins in easy reach. You don't want a traffic jam by the coffee makers because each employee is taking their sweet time mixing up their drink. Create a path between getting your coffee and prepping it so employees can grab their coffee fast and be on their way!

How Long Do Coffee Creamers Last 

Let’s talk shelf life because no one wants to waste money on creamers that expire before you can even enjoy them. Whether you’re stocking up for a busy office or just trying to keep things fresh, you want to make sure the creamers you do buy align with your consumption patterns. 

• Shelf-stable options: These bad boys can last for months when unopened, which is great if you’re stocking up for the long haul. Once opened, though, you’ve got about 3-4 weeks before they start to lose their magic. If you're working with experts like us, we'll make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to get the most out of them.
• Half and Half: When stored properly in the fridge, they typically last about 7-10 days past the sell-by date. But at Crafty we're never going to take any chances. Our team on the ground is regularly checking for any sour smell or curdling.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Your crash course in office coffee creamers! Coffee creamer isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an essential ingredient in creating a coffee experience your team will actually look forward to. Let Crafty help you make your office coffee station the best part of the day.